Perhaps, like me, you feel we are living in perilous times. Autocrats are ascendant. Freedoms are under attack. War rages across the globe. And Judaism offers us two simple but powerful words of advice for such moments: “Be strong and resolute.”
Throughout the Torah, Moses described the Hebrews as a defiant and stiff-necked people. Even after being freed from slavery, they doubted God’s protection, challenged authority, and acted rashly when faced with obstacles. In truth, we haven’t changed much. Today, Jews are still known for questioning nearly everything. At our best, that questioning has fueled righteous causes—leading movements for justice and civil rights. We have learned not to wait passively for divine shelter, but to advocate for ourselves. Yet, at times, Jewish leadership has faltered, failing to recognize the consequences of its actions—or inactions—during times of peril. We still wrestle with the depth of Moses’ call to be both strong and resolute.
At the end of his life, Moses prepared the people for a daunting task: to enter the Promised Land, already inhabited by hostile tribes. He would not go with them, but his parting charge was clear and unwavering: “Be strong and resolute.”
The history of the United States offers a parallel. In 1775, a handful of rebellious New Englanders stood up to tyranny and challenged the rule of a king. Seven years of hardship and struggle later, American democracy was born. Historians such as Ken Burns consider the American Revolution the most consequential event since the time of Jesus. Its success was due in no small part to the people’s strength and resolve.
Moses’ words continue to resonate. Our stubbornness—our stiff-necked nature—may in fact be our greatest strength. In times like these, when dangers loom and freedoms are threatened, we must embrace that quality and live by Moses’ timeless directive: “Be strong and resolute.”
Rabbi Evan J. Krame
If this reflection resonates with you, consider sharing it on social media—or simply take a moment to reflect on how you can create a better community.
